A Jersey Guy's Picks: Week 9
Finally, a move forward with winners last week in Syracuse getting points and still beating Boston College, with Wisconsin covering against Iowa and with Texas being a push against Kansas State. That's a 2-0-1 mark and we will take that.
This week we look at Clemson at Florida State, Washington at Utah and Nebraska traveling to Wisconsin.
The LOCK-Smith was also back on the winning track last week. This week he takes a loot at Baylor traveling to Texas.[membership level="0"] The rest of this article is available to subscribers only - to become a subscriber click here.[/membership] [membership]
The Game: Nebraska getting 9 at WISCONSIN
The Pick: Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 17
The Comment: Nebraska hasn't played anyone of note, but the Huskers are a decent team and Wisconsin doesn't blow anyone out. Nine points is a lot to give a good team.
The Game: Clemson giving 4.5 at FLORIDA STATE
The Pick: FSU 38, Clemson 35
The Comment: Again a good team, getting points at home against a team that hasn't overwhelmed anyone. Clemson has not looked like a team ready to win a national championship. FSU as a spoiler is always dangerous.
The Game: Washington giving 10.5 at UTAH
The Pick: Washington 38, Utah 30
The Comment: Washington has been anointed as the Pac-12 power in waiting. Utah is just annoyed at not getting any credit for being a contender. Utes could win this one straight up, but Washington might have too much fire power, but the Utes should still cover.
Bonus Pick:
The game: Arizona State vs Oregon, over under 78
The Pick: The Under
The Comment: If the game were played in Tempe this could be a shoot out. But the game is in rainy Eugene in daylight.
Last week: 2-0-1
Season to date: 14-12-1
The LOCK-Smith
Baylor over TEXAS, giving 3
As tempting as it is to believe Rutgers will find a way to lose and not cover during its bye this week, we'll go with the next-best thing: Soon-to-be ex-Texas coach Charlie Strong and the flailing Longhorns. This is a team in free-fall now, and Texas' mediocre run defense has to deal with a Baylor running game that is No. 7 nationally, averaging 282.8 yards on the ground.
Overall, the unbeaten Bears are fourth nationally in total offense and tops in the Big 12. There's plenty of reason to believe Baylor's schedule so far is suspect, but what about Texas' credentials?
The three teams the Longhorns have beaten -- Notre Dame, UTEP and Iowa State -- are a combined 5-16. Both teams will score plenty, but Baylor's tempo and firepower will wear down the Longhorns.
Home team in CAPS
Record to date vs. spread: 5-2-1[/membership]